Former rail boss takes on new role at water firm

The former boss of the HS2 project is set to take a role on the board at United Utilities.

Sir David Higgins is to replace the outgoing chairman Dr John McAdam.

Sir David was chairman of the HS2 high speed rail project and chief executive of the Olympic Delivery Authority for London 2012 from 2005 to 2011.

He held the same position at Network Rail between 2011 and 2014.

Sir David has joined the Warrington-headquartered company as a non-executive director and will take the head role after Dr McAdam’s departure at the end of the year.

He is currently chairman of Gatwick Airport and a non-executive director of Commonwealth Bank of Australia, where he chairs the remuneration committee and is a member of the risk committee.

Sir David will be stepping down from the latter role in December this year.

Mark Clare, senior independent director at United Utilities, who led the succession process, said: “The board believes Sir David’s substantial infrastructure experience, engineering background and understanding of regulated businesses make him a strong hire.

“We are delighted that he has accepted the appointment and the board looks forward to working under his leadership to deliver the company’s 2020-25 business plan and beyond.”

Clare also praised Dr McAdam for the “pivotal role he has played in helping drive the considerable progress made by the business during that time and for his wider contribution across the sector”.

Dr McAdam added: “I have very much enjoyed my time at United Utilities and working with both present and previous board colleagues. With the appointment of Sir David Higgins, I know the company is in good hands and I wish him every success.”

United Utilities is one of the country’s largest water and wastewater companies supplying seven million people in the North West with their water.